‘Only prayers can save RP’

Only the power of prayer can save the Philippines from the political and economic crises it is facing.

Television evangelist and Jesus Is Lord Church Worldwide founder Bro. Eddie Villanueva called on the Filipino people to pray and ask for "divine guidance" as he led thousands of his followers in yesterday’s prayer rally at the Quirino Grandstand in Manila’s Rizal Park.

He said the people should put their trust in God because "His power is greater than all political, economic, and religious powers combined," citing his personal experiences in the power of prayer.

Villanueva recalled a visit to Israel, wherein "five hours after we prayed there, Samuel Ong came out and exposed the tapped conversations between President Arroyo and former elections commissioner Virgilio Garcillano."

"Then in July, we held a prayer assembly. Two days after, 10 of President Arroyo’s Cabinet members tendered their resignation," he added.

Leader of Bangon Pilipinas Movement, Villanueva lost in last year’s presidential election and alleged that Mrs. Arroyo cheated her way to victory. He has also urged warring parties to "unite in prayers" and "come together for the country and the people."

However, he said unity does not mean that issues, including allegations of poll fraud against the President, should be left unresolved. "Let us stand up for the truth, justice and righteousness and break the walls," he said.

Villanueva, who earlier joined the opposition in alleging Mrs. Arroyo manipulated her victory in last year’s election and claimed his Bangon Pilipinas Movement (BPM) also had evidence of "massive cheating" in provinces, believes the truth behind the allegations must be found, but through peaceful means and not on the streets.

"The answer to our current problems is not people’s power. It is God’s power," he stressed.

Actress Susan Roces, widow of Fernando Poe Jr. who has been calling for the ouster of Mrs. Arroyo, joined yesterday’s rally, which was organized "to move the heart of God and invoke His spiritual power over the country’s political and economic problems."

Villanueva clarified that Roces’ presence should not be given any political color as "she joined us here just to pray and ask for guidance from God."

She was also joined by some of the popular 10 former Cabinet members who resigned in July and called on the President to step down.

"We would like to pray for these people and honor them as well for standing for the truth," Villanueva stressed.

The BPM leader also called on all Filipinos to pray for the safety and protection of Gen. Francisco Gudani and Col. Alexander Balutan, both facing court-martial proceedings for defying a Malacañang order banning military, police and government officials from testifying in the Senate investigation on poll fraud charges against Mrs. Arroyo.

Both Gudani and Balutan are born-again Christians whose integrity has remained unquestioned.

"We call on all patriotic, truly God-fearing Christians to pray for two dear brethren in Christ who have put their own lives and that of their families at stake for the sake of truth," said Villanueva. "Gudani and Balutan deserve all our support for putting the country’s interest above theirs."

The prayer rally also commemorated 27th anniversary of JIL, which has five million members in the country alone.

Villanueva founded JIL in 1978 when he was teaching college at the Polytechnic University of the Philippines. From 15 college students, JIL’s membership has grown and became the country’s biggest

born-again group. According to the Evangelical Encyclopedia, JIL is the 4th largest Pentecostal Church in the whole world.

"I believe God will move mightily after this prayer march. Let us recall when he said: ‘If my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land," explained Villanueva.

He earlier discouraged Filipinos from joining street protests that call for the ouster of the President, saying the solution to the problems is "not people power but the power of God."